Azeotrope-like compositons of pentafluoropropane, chloropropane and methanol

ABSTRACT

This invention provides azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 2-chloropropane and methanol that are environmentally desirable for use as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, metered dose inhalers, blowing agents for polymer foam, heat transfer media, and gaseous dielectrics.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to compositions comprising pentafluoropropane. More particularly, the present invention provides compositions comprising pentafluoropropane that have a relatively constant boiling point.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Fluorocarbon based fluids have found widespread use in industry in a number of applications, including, as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, blowing agents, heat transfer media, and gaseous dielectrics. Because of the suspected environmental problems associated with the use of some of these fluids, especially chlorofluorocarbons (“CFCs”), it is desirable to use fluids of lesser ozone depletion potential such as hydrofluorocarbons, (“HFCs”) and/or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (“HCFCs).

[0003] Thus, the use of fluids that do not contain CFCs or contain HCFCs or HFCs instead of CFCs is desirable. Additionally, it is known that the use of single component fluids or azeotropic mixtures, which mixtures do not fractionate on boiling and evaporation, is preferred. However, the identification of new, environmentally safe, azeotropic mixtures is complicated due to the fact that it is difficult to predict azeotrope formation.

[0004] The art continually is seeking new fluorocarbon based mixtures that offer alternatives, and are considered environmentally safer substitutes for CFCs and HCFCs. Of particular interest are mixtures containing a hydrofluorocarbon and a non-fluorocarbon, both of low ozone depletion potentials. Such mixtures are the subject of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] The present inventor has developed several compositions that can help to satisfy the continuing need for substitutes for CFCs and HCFCs. In one embodiment, the present invention provides azeotrope-like compositions comprising 1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (“HFC-245fa”), 2-chloropropane and methanol.

[0006] The preferred compositions of the invention provide environmentally desirable replacements for currently used CFC's and HCFC's. Additionally, the compositions of the invention exhibit characteristics that make the compositions better CFC and HCFC substitutes than any of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 2-chloropropane or methanol alone.

[0007] The Compositions

[0008] The compositions discovered by applicant are azeotrope-like compositions. As used herein, the term “azeotrope-like” is intended in its broad sense to include both compositions that are strictly azeotropic and compositions that behave like azeotropic mixtures. From fundamental principles, the thermodynamic state of a fluid is defined by pressure, temperature, liquid composition, and vapor composition. An azeotropic mixture is a system of two or more components in which the liquid composition and vapor composition are equal at the state pressure and temperature. In practice, this means that the components of an azeotropic mixture are constant boiling and cannot be separated during a phase change.

[0009] As the term is used herein, “azeotrope-like” compositions behave like azeotropic mixtures, that is, they are constant boiling or essentially constant boiling. In other words, for azeotrope-like compositions, the composition of the vapor formed during boiling or evaporation is identical, or substantially identical, to the original liquid composition. Thus, with boiling or evaporation, the liquid composition changes, if at all, only to a minimal or negligible extent. This is to be contrasted with non-azeotrope-like compositions in which, during boiling or evaporation, the liquid composition changes to a substantial degree. All azeotrope-like compositions of the invention within the indicated ranges as well as certain compositions outside these ranges are azeotrope-like.

[0010] The azeotrope-like compositions of the invention may include additional components that do not form new azeotropic or azeotrope-like systems, or additional components that are not in the first distillation cut. The first distillation cut is the first cut taken after the distillation column displays steady state operation under total reflux conditions. One way to determine whether the addition of a component forms a new azeotropic or azeotrope-like system so as to be outside of this invention is to distill a sample of the composition with the component under conditions that would be expected to separate a non-azeotropic mixture into its separate components. If the mixture containing the additional component is non-azeotropic or non-azeotrope-like, the additional component will fractionate from the azeotropic or azeotrope-like components. If the mixture is azeotrope-like, some finite amount of a first distillation cut will be obtained that contains all of the mixture components that is constant boiling or behaves as a single substance.

[0011] It follows from this that another characteristic of azeotrope-like compositions is that there is a range of compositions containing the same components in varying proportions that are azeotrope-like or constant boiling. All such compositions are intended to be covered by the terms “azeotrope-like” and “constant boiling”. As an example, it is well known that at differing pressures, the composition of a given azeotrope will vary at least slightly, as does the boiling point of the composition. Thus, an azeotrope of A and B represents a unique type of relationship, but with a variable composition depending on temperature and/or pressure. It follows that, for azeotrope-like compositions, there is a range of compositions containing the same components in varying proportions that are azeotrope-like. All such compositions are intended to be covered by the term azeotrope-like as used herein.

[0012] One aspect of applicant's discovery provides azeotrope-like compositions comprising 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 2-chloropropane and methanol. Preferably, the novel azeotrope-like compositions of the present invention comprise effective amounts of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 2-chloropropane and methanol. The term “effective amounts” as used herein refers to the amount of each component which upon combination with the other component or components, results in the formation of the present azeotrope-like compositions.

[0013] These embodiments preferably provide azeotrope-like compositions comprising, and preferably consisting essentially of, from about 20 to about 98 parts by weight HFC-245fa, from about 1 to about 40 parts by weight of 2-chloropropane and from about 1 to about 40 parts by weight methanol. Such compositions are characterized by a boiling point of 14.29° C.±4° C., preferably ±2° C., more preferably ±1° C. at 14.4 psia. Such compositions may also be characterized by a boiling point of 14.13° C.±4° C., preferably ±2° C., more preferably ±1° C. at 14.25 psia.

[0014] The preferred, more preferred, and most preferred compositions of this embodiment are set forth in Table 1. The numerical ranges in Table 1 are to be understood to be prefaced by the term “about”. TABLE 1 Preferred More Preferred Most Preferred Components (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) HFC-245fa 98-20 98-50 98-80 2-chloropropane  1-40  1-25  1-10 methanol  1-40  1-25  1-10

[0015] Table 2 provided below in connection with Example 1 provides boiling point data for the HFC-245fa/2-chloropropane/methanol compositions according to preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Uses of the Compositions

[0017] The compositions of the present invention may be used in a wide variety of applications as substitutes for CFCs and HCFCs. For example, the present compositions are useful as solvents, blowing agents, refrigerants, cleaning agents and aerosols.

[0018] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a blowing agent comprising one or more of the azeotrope-like compositions of the invention. In other embodiments, the invention provides foamable compositions, and preferably polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foam compositions, and methods of preparing foams. In such foam embodiments, one or more of the present azeotrope-like compositions are included as a blowing agent in a foamable composition, which composition preferably includes one or more additional components capable of reacting and foaming under the proper conditions to form a foam or cellular structure, as is well known in the art. The present methods preferably comprise providing such a foamable composition and reacting it under conditions effective to obtain a foam, and preferably a closed cell foam. The invention also relates to foam, and preferably closed cell foam, prepared from a polymer foam formulation containing a blowing agent comprising the azeotrope-like composition of the invention.

[0019] Any of the methods well known in the art, such as those described in “Polyurethanes Chemistry and Technology,” Volumes I and II, Saunders and Frisch, 1962, John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y., which is incorporated herein by reference, may be used or adapted for use in accordance with the foam embodiments of the present invention. In general, such preferred methods comprise preparing polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foams by combining an isocyanate, a polyol or mixture of polyols, a blowing agent or mixture of blowing agents comprising one or more of the present compositions, and other materials such as catalysts, surfactants, and optionally, flame retardants, colorants, or other additives. It is convenient in many applications to provide the components for polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foams in pre-blended formulations. Most typically, the foam formulation is pre-blended into two components. The isocyanate and optionally certain surfactants and blowing agents comprise the first component, commonly referred to as the “A” component. The polyol or polyol mixture, surfactant, catalysts, blowing agents, flame retardant, and other isocyanate reactive components comprise the second component, commonly referred to as the “B” component. Accordingly, polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foams are readily prepared by bringing together the A and B side components either by hand mix for small preparations and, preferably, machine mix techniques to form blocks, slabs, laminates, pour-in-place panels and other items, spray applied foams, froths, and the like. Optionally, other ingredients such as fire retardants, colorants, auxiliary blowing agents, and even other polyols can be added as a third stream to the mix head or reaction site. Most conveniently, however, they are all incorporated into one B-component as described above.

[0020] It is also possible to produce thermoplastic foams using the compositions of the invention. For example, conventional foam polyurethanes and isocyanurate formulations may be combined with the azeotrope-like compositions in a conventional manner to produce rigid foams.

[0021] Azeotrope-like mixtures containing HFC-245fa in accordance with the present invention are particularly suitable as foam blowing agents since foams blown with HFC-245fa have been found to possess low relative initial and aged thermal conductivity and good dimensional stability at low temperatures. Of particular interest are those azeotrope-like compositions of the present invention that optionally further contain other zero ozone depleting materials, such as, for example, other hydrofluorocarbons, e.g., difluoromethane (HFC-32); difluoroethane (HFC-152); trifluoroethane (HFC-143); tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134); pentafluoroethane (HFC-125); pentafluoropropane (HFC-245); hexafluoropropane (HFC-236); heptafluoropropane (HFC-227); pentafluorobutane (HFC-365) and inert gases, e.g., air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide. Where isomerism is possible for the hydrofluorocarbons mentioned above, the respective isomers may be used either singly or in the form of a mixture.

[0022] Dispersing agents, cell stabilizers, and surfactants may also be incorporated into the blowing agent mixture. Surfactants, better known as silicone oils, are added to serve as cell stabilizers. Some representative materials are sold under the names of DC-193, B-8404, and L-5340 which are, generally, polysiloxane polyoxyalkylene block co-polymers such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,834,748, 2,917,480, and 2,846,458. which are incorporated herein by reference. Other optional additives for the blowing agent mixture may include flame retardants such as tri(2-chloroethyl)phosphate, tri(2-chloropropyl)phosphate, tri(2,3-dibromopropyl)-phosphate, tri(1,3-dichloropropyl)phosphate, diammonium phosphate, various halogenated aromatic compounds, antimony oxide, aluminum trihydrate, polyvinyl chloride, and the like.

[0023] In another embodiment, the azeotrope-like compositions of this invention may be used as propellants in sprayable compositions, either alone or in combination with known propellants. The sprayable composition comprises, consists essentially of, and consists of a material to be sprayed and a propellant comprising, consisting essentially of, and consisting of the azeotrope-like compositions of the invention. Inert ingredients, solvents, and other materials may also be present in the sprayable mixture. Preferably, the sprayable composition is an aerosol. Suitable materials to be sprayed include, without limitation, cosmetic materials such as deodorants, perfumes, hair sprays, cleansers, and polishing agents as well as medicinal materials such as anti-asthma and anti-halitosis medications.

[0024] The components of the composition of the invention are known materials that are commercially available or may be prepared by known methods. Preferably, the components are of sufficiently high purity so as to avoid the introduction of adverse influences upon cooling or heating properties, constant boiling properties, or blowing agent properties of the system. In the case of metered dose inhalers, the relevant current Good Manufacturing Process may be used for manufacturing these materials.

[0025] Additional components may be added to tailor the properties of the azeotrope-like compositions of the invention as needed. By way of example, oil solubility aids may be added in the case in which the compositions of the invention are used as refrigerants. Stabilizers and other materials may also be added to enhance the properties of the compositions of the invention.

EXAMPLES

[0026] Example 1

[0027] An ebulliometer consisting of vacuum jacketed tube with a condenser on top was used. HFC-245fa (21.31 g) is charged to the ebulliometer and 0.723 grams of2-chrloropropane is added thereto in small measured increments at 14.4 psia. The associated temperature change is observed and recorded. Subsequently, methanol is added in small, measured increments at 14.4 psia. Temperature depression is observed when methanol is added to HFC-245fa/2-chloropropane, indicating that a ternary minimum boiling azeotrope is formed. From about 1 to about 10 weight percent of methanol, the boiling point of the composition changes by about 3° C. at 14.4 psia. The ternary mixtures shown in Table 2 are studied and the boiling point of the compositions changes by about 3° C. Therefore, the composition exhibits azeotrope and/or azeotrope-like properties over this range. TABLE 2 Ebuliometer study of 245fa/2-Chloropropaue/Methanol Barometer = 14.4 psia Wt. % Wt. % 245fa 2-Chloropropane Wt. % MeOH T (C.) 100.00  0.00 0.00 14.48 99.80 0.20 0.00 14.45 99.41 0.60 0.00 14.44 99.01 0.99 0.00 14.43 98.24 1.77 0.00 14.39 97.47 2.53 0.00 14.44 96.72 3.28 0.00 14.46 96.55 3.28 0.18 14.39 96.03 3.26 0.54 14.30 94.84 3.22 1.23 14.25 93.04 3.16 1.90 14.29 90.39 3.07 2.85 14.35 86.75 2.94 4.02 14.39 82.38 2.80 5.04 14.44 77.53 2.63 5.89 14.48

[0028] Example 2

[0029] One hundred (100) g of a polyether with a hydroxyl value of 380, a result from the addition of propylene oxide to a solution of saccharose, propylene glycol and water, is mixed with 2 g of a siloxane polyether copolymer as foam stabilizer, and 3 g of dimethylcyclohexylamine. With stirring, 100 g of the mixture is thoroughly mixed with 15 g of an azeotrope-like composition of Example 1 as blowing agent. The resulting mixture is foamed with 152 g of crude 4,4′diisocyanatodiphenylmethane. The resulting rigid foam is inspected and found to be of good quality. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An azeotrope-like composition consisting essentially of from about 1 to about 40 weight percent methanol, from about 1 to about 40 weight percent 2-chloropropane and from about 20 to about 98 weight percent HFC-245fa.
 2. The azeotrope-like compositions of claim 1 characterized by a boiling point of about 14.13° C.±4° C. at about 14.25 psia
 3. The azeotrope-like compositions of claim 1 characterized by a boiling point of about or a boiling point of about 14.29° C.±4° C. at about 14.4 psia
 4. The azeotrope-like compositions of claim 1 consisting essentially of from about 1 to about 25 weight percent methanol, from about 1 to about 25 weight percent 2-chlropropane and from about 50 to about 98 weight percent HFC-245fa.
 5. The azeotrope-like compositions of claim 1 consisting essentially of from about 1 to about 10 weight percent methanol, from about 1 to about 10 weight percent 2-chlropropane and from about 80 to about 98 weight percent HFC-245fa.
 6. A blowing agent composition comprising the azeotrope-like compositions of claim
 1. 7. A blowing agent composition comprising the azeotrope-like compositions of claim
 4. 8. A blowing agent composition comprising the azeotrope-like compositions of claim
 5. 9. A method for producing polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams comprising reacting and foaming a mixture of ingredients that react to form the polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams in the presence of a volatile blowing agent comprising the compositions of claim
 1. 10. A method for producing polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams comprising reacting and foaming a mixture of ingredients that react to form the polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams in the presence of a volatile blowing agent comprising the compositions of claim
 4. 11. A method for producing polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams comprising reacting and foaming a mixture of ingredients that react to form the polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams in the presence of a volatile blowing agent comprising the compositions of claim
 5. 12. A closed cell foam composition prepared by foaming a polyisocyanate or polyisocyanurate in the presence of a blowing agent comprising the azeotrope-like compositions of claim
 1. 13. A closed cell foam composition prepared by foaming a polyisocyanate or polyisocyanurate in the presence of a blowing agent comprising the azeotrope-like compositions of claim
 4. 14. A closed cell foam composition prepared by foaming a polyisocyanate or polyisocyanurate in the presence of a blowing agent comprising the azeotrope-like compositions of claim
 5. 15. A premix of a polyol and a blowing agent comprising the azeotrope-like compositions of claim
 1. 16. A premix of a polyol and a blowing agent comprising the compositions of claim
 4. 17. A premix of a polyol and a blowing agent comprising the compositions of claim
 5. 18. A sprayable composition comprising a material to be sprayed and a propellant comprising the compositions of claim
 1. 19. A sprayable composition according to claim 18 wherein the sprayable composition is an aerosol.
 20. A sprayable composition according to claim 19 wherein the sprayable composition is a cosmetic material.
 21. The composition of claim 19 wherein the material to be sprayed is a medicinal material.
 22. A closed cell foam containing a cell gas comprising a blowing agent as defined in claim
 6. 23. A closed cell foam containing a cell gas comprising a blowing agent as defined in claim
 7. 23. A closed cell foam containing a cell gas comprising a blowing agent as defined in claim
 8. 24. An azeotrope-like compositions comprising from about 1 to about 40 weight percent methanol, from about 1 to about 40 weight percent 2-chloropropane and from about 20 to about 98 weight percent HFC-245fa 